The Garden of Surging Waves honors Astoria's Chinese heritage in its sculptures and other architectural features. It is planned as the first phase of Heritage Square, a redevelopment project that envisions a public amphitheater and gathering space.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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Restoration of downtown Astorias Italian Renaissance-style Liberty Theater was a catalyst to urban revitalization. More than $10 million was raised to restore the 1925 movie palace as a 665-seat theater, a showcase for music and the performing arts since 2005.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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A seafood chowder of fresh coho salmon with clams, prawns and crab meat is typical of the seafood-oriented dishes served at Baked Alaska on Pier 12. Chef-owner Christopher Holen also has a lounge, pizza bistro and line of seasonings, and hes working on a TV series.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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The Hotel Elliott in downtown Astoria was the first of several 1920s hotels to be refurbished in recent years. The 1924 Elliott reopened in 2003 with 32 redesigned rooms, and was followed by the Commodore Hotel in 2009 and the Norblad Hotel and Hostel in 2014.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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Built atop 600-foot Coxcomb Hill in 1926, Astoria Column had a facelift during much of 2015 and 2016. The history-themed friezes on the 125-foot tower were cleaned and repainted in Italian Renaissance style, making the 164-step climb to its observation deck even more alluring.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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The Museum of Whimsy, occupying two floors of the 1924 Bank of Astoria building, opened in June. It houses the quirky personal collections of owner Trish Bright, ranging from vintage clothing to tribal art and even an old-fashioned candy counter.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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Paul Van der Veldt, owner of Shallon Winery since 1980, makes wines that he considers to be unique — like Cran du Lait and Chocolate Orange varietals. "I think I am still the only winery in the world that makes whey wine," said Van der Veldt, 90.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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Bowpicker Fish & Chips is a favorite restaurant of locals, a one-time gillnet fishing boat that serves outstanding, budget-priced seafood. Other popular restaurants in Astoria include the Bridgewater Bistro; Drina Daisy, a Bosnian café; and Carruthers Kitchen, the city's newest.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, built upon pilings of the former Union Fish cannery, extends 600 feet into the Columbia River beside the Astoria-Megler Bridge. From its 46 luxurious rooms, guests may watch container ships and other maritime traffic passing on the river.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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A trash receptacle on Commercial Street, designed as though it came from a salmon cannery, reflects Astoria's pride in its heritage. Astoria continues to attract tourism with civic innovation: Shops, restaurants and breweries have moved into abandoned cannery spaces.Barb Gonzalez / For The Bulletin

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The Flavel House Museum is a popular house museum, a Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1885 by Captain George Flavel, the first Columbia River bar pilot. Furnished in period style, the museum is operated by the Clatsop County Historical Society.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin

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John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin
The Oregon Film Museum, in the former Clatsop County Jail, displays memorabilia from Hollywood movies shot in Oregon in general, and Astoria in particular. Those films include "The Goonies" (1984), "Short Circuit" (1985) and "Kindergarten Cop" (1990).

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The Astoria Riverfront Trolley, better known to locals as "the Old 300," has been beautifully restored and returned to service on a 2½-mile route from Uniontown to Pier 39. The original trolley served the city from 1913 until World War II.John Gottberg Anderson / For The Bulletin